Wonder years

"Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you’re in diapers, the next day you’re gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a place...a town...a house like a lot of houses...a yard like a lot of other yards...on a street like a lot of other streets. And the thing is...after all these years...I still look back...with wonder." -- Wonder Years (abc)

People my age from India and millions of Americans would remember these lines, forever. Growing up has been such an adventure. Triumphs, pitfalls, memories... A whole lifetime has gone by it seems...

A thousand wishes like these…

One of the most beautifully made movies of its time is Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi. The movie has made many a fan of Sudhir Mishra. It draws the thin line between the murky politics of the emergency period in the late 70’s and the leftist movement in Bihar. Here’s a dialogue from the movie..

“(Comrade i have not given up...) main mass base mein izafe ki baat kar raha hun. Chote mote self defensive action ke khilaf nahi hoon, yeh aap bhi jante hain…”

Ponder over it…

Potala Palace- Courtyard 

Potala Palace- LHASA 

The Forbidden Land- Tibet

Tibet has enchanted people for centuries as the forbidden land of Shangri-la which has been described in Buddhism as the “Garden of Eden”, tucked away from mankind where only those who are enlightened can have access to. This plateau called the roof of the world is surrounded by myth and mystery. One can only experience the beauty of the ancient land if one treads there.

However, somehow the plight of Tibet has gone unnoticed by the Western Media and in general, the whole world. After forced occupancy, human rights violations and violations of every fundamental right known to man, China continues to inflict torture on any person possessing even a picture of HH Dalai Lama. The ratio of Chinese: Tibetan in Tibet is 12:1. The Han Chinese have taken away trade and administrative responsibilities from the Tibetans and despite the fact that China is developing the region, its doing so for its own profitable purposes and none of this money ever reaches the locals. The tightened Media regulations and a lack of right to information law in China adds fuel to the fire.

When China destroyed the Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet and ruined their cultural and religious heritage, proclaiming to liberate the Tibetans from Lama-ism, the biggies kept quiet and so did everyone else. It’s not your problem till it happens in your backyard or worst still – your own house. The only country (and I’m proud to say this) which came to their aid was India who offered them political refuge.

I’m glad that something I was an integral part of for 3 years did something to further the cause of Tibet- check this, second posting about Human Rights Cell, Symbiosis Law College, Poona- http://www.friendsoftibet.org/indiahomepage.html

Buddhism is the most peace preaching religion in the world, and what does China call its war on Tibet? War on secessionists and hence war on terrorism. Jeez…

If you read this, make sure you pass it the message on…

Not made for winter sports!

The excitement of an unseen world is inexplicable. When you don the skates, and step into the Ice-Skating rink full of experts, you feel like you can glide around like them in a matter of a couple of seconds. Splash! There went my dreams in a fizzy. Barely being able to hold the railing, I tried hard not to fall and didn’t even venture out in the middle. After irritating the steward a couple of times and trying hard not to topple over with my back on the ice and the legs crossed over, I made the smart decision and off went the skates! Not cut out for this for sure!

P.S: Don't be fooled by the seemingly easy glides!